Albert Lee

TICKETS:    Albert Lee Wed May 5th 2027 8pm-10pm – Wrecking Ball Arts Centre

Grammy-winning guitarist Albert Lee, one of the most respected musicians in
the country-rock music scene, will be joined on stage this year by his young
UK Band, Ali Petrie on Keys, Iain Petrie on Bass and Tim Hillsdon on drums.
Albert made his name touring with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Crickets,
The Everly Brothers, Joe Cocker and Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band through
the 70s and 80s, and is widely regarded by his contemporaries as one of the
greatest guitarists in the world – described as “the ultimate virtuoso” by Eric
Clapton and “one of my all-time guitar gods” by US country sensation Brad
Paisley.
Albert received a Grammy Award in 2002 for his contribution to “Foggy
Mountain Breakdown” featured on “Earl Scruggs and Friends”, and won a
Grammy for his performance on Brad Paisley’s instrumental “Cluster Pluck” in
2009.
Lauded for his unparalleled picking style and versatility, Albert was joined by
a massive list of over 50 special guests at his 70th Birthday Celebration
concerts at Cadogan Hall in 2014, including Bill Wyman, Shakin’ Stevens,
Chas & Dave, Gary Brooker, The Shadows and Ralph McTell (now
available as a digital download).
In 2024, Albert celebrated his 80th birthday – again at Cadogan Hall with
another huge line up of his favourite musician friends.
Albert received the Trailblazer Award in 2017 at the Americana Awards –
accepted on his behalf by his great friend Andy Fairweather Low.
“Highwayman”, Albert’s highly-acclaimed solo album, is a 12-track collection
of acoustic covers. Recorded live and captured in a moment of true
inspiration, this raw and emotional record pays tribute to many of Albert’s
musical influences – the classic rock ’n’ roll of the Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye
Love”, the deep feeling of Rodney Crowell’s ballad “Till I Can Gain Control
Again”, and the centrepiece of the album in Jimmy Webb’s “The
Highwayman” – a powerful and dramatic, and most probably definitive,
version of a true musical masterpiece.
“Gypsy Man” is Alberts next solo album featuring his favourite Buddy Holly
songs – a musician Albert has always held in high regard.
In 2024 Albert recorded his latest album, “Lay it Down” at the legendary Konk
Studios. This is a mixture of tracks that Albert has wanted to do for some time
and is getting rave reviews. All the albums are available through his on-line
shop at albertleeofficial.com.
Musician Quotes
“I think that the new recording of Highwayman is fantastic, the production is a
true stand out. Albert, your vocals and guitar playing throughout the album are
great. Loved The Everly references and the other references to the 50s artists
that we all grew up on. It is now my long distance driving disc.”
Jimmy Webb
“He’s the ultimate virtuoso. His skill is extraordinary, his ear is extraordinary
and he’s gifted on just about every level.”
Eric Clapton
When he gets into his stride, I can’t even keep up with him.
Eric Clapton
“Great musicians make you want to dance, make you cry and make you fall in
love – Albert does that with his playing.”
Jools Holland
“There are great players, and there are geniuses, and Albert is a genius.”
Chris Farlowe
Is it the speed, is it the expression, is it the sensitivity to what other people are
doing in the room at that moment and bringing out the best of them? It’s all of
those things. He just has an instinctive way of bringing out the best of
whatever music he’s playing.
Bob Harris
He’s a master, and really a musical treasure. In terms of talent to
recognisability, Albert’s balance is way off – he should be very very famous.
Huey Lewis
He’s quite obviously a musical genius.
Ralph McTell